Federal authorities thwart alleged ricin attack planned in Georgia

When processed, the common castor bean, pictured, can be converted into the biotoxin ricin. Four Georgia men are accused of plotting a ricin attack on American cities. (Photo by Flickr user Bordy Nathalie, cc-by-sa.)

Federal officials have arrested four men in Georgia who are accused of hatching a plot to release ricin — a toxic poison made from castor beans — the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

According to the AJ-C, the four men were identified as Frederick Thomas, 73, Dan Roberts, 67; Ray H. Adams, 65, and Samuel J. Crump, 68. All four have been arrested and will make court appearances Wednesday.

According to CNN, the arrest affidavit for Thomas included statements like, "When it comes time to saving the Constitution, that means some people gotta die."

Federal prosecutors say the general public was never in danger and the FBI had been monitoring the group's meetings since March.

The plan included making as much as 100 pounds of ricin and then dispersing it in various American cities.

"While many are focused on the threat posed by international violent extremists, this case demonstrates that we must also remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our own borders who threaten our safety and security," U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in a statement.